La Baule, France – June 06, 2024 – First emotions, first joys. The 2024 edition of the Jumping International de La Baule – Officiel de France got underway on Thursday under sunny skies and in front of a packed grandstand. Simon Delestre (FRA) won the €35,000 FFE Prize CSIO 5*, the day’s main class, just after Nicolas Delmotte’s (FRA) success in the Prix Loire Atlantique, a perfect start before this Friday’s Barrière Nations Cup.
The François André stadium regained its unique atmosphere on Thursday. For over 60 years, it has been the setting for the Jumping International – Officiel de France event. With the world’s best riders and top-performing horses in the centre of the arena and the grandstands, a public as devoted as ever, happy to enjoy, free of charge, a sportingspectacle under the banner of excellence.
In the Prix FFE (1.50 m, time trial), the first qualifying event for Sunday’s Rolex Grand Prix Ville de La Baule, the French riders didn’t leave a single place on the podium for their rivals. And 1, and 2 and 3!
With Olga van de Kruishoeve, a 10-year-old Belgian Warmblood (BWP) mare, Simon Delestre (world no. 8) got his competition off to a perfect start.
Kevin Staut (FRA) the Rio Olympic team champion with Beau de Laubry Z, a pair who had already won a similar event last week at the CSIO 5* in Rome, finished just 15 hundredths behind his compatriot on the podium’s second step.
Marc Dilasser (FRA) on Arioto du Gèvres, a 14-year-old Selle Français gelding, completed the podium in an event marked by 22 clear rounds on the course designed by Grégory Bodo, future head of the Paris Olympic Games course (partnered by Spain’s Santiago Varela)
Winner’s Circle – Simon Delestre (FRA)
“This is Olga’s eighth or ninth international victory in 4 and 5-star competitions since September,’ says a delighted Lorrain. She put in a magnificent performance. She’s very fast and very respectful. The target is to get her into the 5-star Grand Prix. She’s a mare with everything it takes to have a great career, including championships. In this event, I attacked straight away at a fast tempo and then stayed on it. Mentally, it’s always good to start a competition like that. I’m on a good run at the moment, with my horses jumping really well. I’ve just got to ride the wave.”
Final Results – €35,000 FFE Prize CSIO 5* – 1.50m
1) Simon Delestre (FRA) & Olga van de Kruishoeve – 0 – 60.59
2) Kevin Staut (FRA) & Beau de Laubry Z – 0 – 60.74
3) Marc Dilasser (FRA) & Arioto du Gevres – 0 – 61.93
Source: Press Release (edited) from Jumping International de La Baule
Photos: © PSV Photos
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Categories: CSIO 5*, English, Jumper News France
